Tesla is one of the best known automotive manufacturers in the world, founded in January 2003, in California. The company is also known for its development of energy storage systems and solar panels.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the charismatic Elon Musk, although the original company was founded by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning . Musk was one of the original major investors, having made his money, as a cofounder of PayPal.

TESLA - BACKGROUND

Tesla’s approached to electric cars set them aside as innovative. Their first commercial electric car, was a sports car called the ‘Roadster’(2008). Followed in 2013 by the sports sedan called the ‘Model S’, - aluminium construction - a range of 200 miles - 75 minute recharge. It has a responsiveness that surpasses conventional sports cars.

TESLA - FACTORY SYSTEM

Tesla’s factory in California, is one of the largest in the world operating an automated manufacturing system. Tesla invest heavily in developing and maintaining a skilled workforce, specific to their specialised manufacturing needs. By the end of 2018, they aim to be manufacturing 500,000 cars at their Californian plant.
Governments around the world are turning their attention to pollution, caused by the internal combustion engine and ways of reducing it. Electric vehicles are one of the most likely solutions.
The electricicity supply grid is becoming greener, due to the increased use of wind power and solar power, making electric cars a much greener choice of vehicle.

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QUESTIONS

1. When was Tesla founded ? 1 mark

2. Most electric cars are small and lack style. Why are Tesla electric cars regarded as different? Include names of the cars they manufacture. 4 marks